A post script … I didn't forget the syrup!

I think you'll find this little gem really useful, here's the recipe - it's easy peasy :

Lemon syrup

200g icing sugar, sifted

8 tblsp lemon juice

To make the syrup place the lemon juice and icing sugar into a small saucepan and heat gently so that the sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool.

This will give you 300ml(approx) of syrup.

Sifting the sugar ensures it dissolves evenly, no lumps required!

The syrup deserved to look fancy schmancy – here's what I found :

This was perfect for my Christmas Box idea, the exact size to nestle into the box – 50ml. I paid £19.99 for 12 x 50ml bottles, complete with cork lids, labels and twine, by Maison & White – you won't be surprised to learn that I bought them from Amazon.co.uk. There are all sorts of different shapes and sizes to choose from.

Ta dah!

Your serving choices :

Soft drink, a drop of syrup in a tall glass, top with chilled soda water and just swizzle.

Still soft – drizzle over ice cream, add a square or six of Rocky Road and fresh fruit for an instant dessert.

Spiked – add a generous drop of Limoncello liqueur.

Sparkling and special – for the festive season add a drop in a Champagne flute or a Martini glass, top with Prosecco, swizzle and enjoy.

Sounds like a great plan – any of the above – something for everyone!